Rapanui (undies made with clean energy)

Rapanui (Isle of Wight) is an outdoor clothing company, which also offers organic cotton underwear (also for men). In many colours, everything is made with clean energy, and sent in zero waste packaging.

Unless you’re going commando (!), you’ll be wearing underwear. Alas nearly all undies sold in England contain synthetic fibres (even ‘organic cotton’ ones tend to have 5% elastane for stretch).

So unless you are wearing 100% organic cotton briefs, launder in a microfiber filter (this helps to stop microplastics leaching out of washing machines, and into the sea).

Synthetic fibres (nylon, polyester) are made from oil. So by choosing brands that are mostly made from cotton, it’s help to avoid supporting the oil industry, which causes pollution and climate change.

You can’t donate used undies to charity shops (due to hygiene). But you can take them (even if damaged/frayed) to textile banks. The materials are then shredded into industrial goods.

When buying new undies, first measure your waist and fullest part of your hips, to avoid sizes that are too tight and cause chafing (or unflattering bulges!) Also look for brands without irritating tags (choose nude tones, to prevent ‘visible panty lines’).

To make undies last longer, launder with unscented biodegradable laundry detergent and avoid fabric softener (reduces absorbency) and tumble driers . For stains, use natural oxygen bleach.

Don’t believe the greenwash about M & S undies being the best. Most are made from cheap polyester, meaning they don’t let your skin breathe, and are very expensive for the material used. You’re better off shopping around at budget clothing stores, to find ones made with cotton.